Immediate Past Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, Ibraheem Folarin Bello FNSE, has advocated professionals, institutions and organisations to continually support the promotion of entrepreneurship, STEM education, innovation, research and practical skills development.
Bello, who is also the RTOC, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Osogbo Region, stated this as the guest of honour during the September cohort graduation ceremony of the tech innovation bootcamp of Shining Stars Global Impact Foundation (SSGIF), Ibadan.
He noted that the responsibility of leaders, professionals, institutions and organisations is to create an environment where talent can thrive. ‘When we empower young people with knowledge and opportunity, we are not simply preparing individuals for employment. We are building problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, innovators and future leaders. And that is why today’s event matters,’ he said.
Bello stated that the graduands have demonstrated the zeal to learn, adapt and prepare themselves for a rapidly changing world.
‘Technology is transforming virtually every sector of our society-engineering, agriculture, education, healthcare, finance, transportation, governance, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
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‘Therefore, the knowledge you have acquired here should not end with today’s graduation. Let this graduation be the beginning, not the conclusion, of your learning journey. The world does not only need people who can use technology. It needs people who can use technology to solve problems,’ he said.
He, however, commended the Shining Stars Global Impact Foundation for investing in human capacity development through laudable initiatives.
‘In a world where technology is increasingly determining economic opportunities and social development, programmes that equip young people with relevant digital and innovation skills are extremely important.
‘Your investment in these young people is, in reality, an investment in the future.
I encourage the Foundation to continue expanding this initiative, build stronger partnerships with universities, industries, technology organisations and other stakeholders, and create pathways through which graduates of the programme can access internships, mentorship, entrepreneurship support and employment opportunities,’ he noted.